In a surprising ‘unanimous’ decision, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) women’s selection committee has spotlighted a 22-year-old pacer as Pakistan announces their squad for the T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). However, a rare consistency in selection signals a promising approach.
Nida Dar was appointed captain of the senior national team in April 2023 and led Pakistan to a historic win against New Zealand later that year, marking their first T20I series victory outside Asia and Ireland and becoming the first Asian side to beat New Zealand in New Zealand. However, following Pakistan’s semi-final exit in the 9th Asia Cup, Dar has been replaced by pace-bowling all-rounder Fatima Sana, who will take on captaincy duties for the upcoming World Cup.
Last year, Fatima Sana captained Pakistan in an ODI against New Zealand when Nida Dar was injured, securing a dramatic victory in a Super Over. Sana brings considerable leadership experience from domestic and Pakistan Emerging teams. With over 80 international appearances, she is a key player in the bowling attack and a valuable lower-order bat. Sana is also the only player on the women’s team with extensive overseas league experience, having played for the Barmy Army in the FairBreak, Canterbury Magicians in the Super Smash, and Barbados Royals in the Women’s Caribbean Premier League.
Pakistan has made one change to the squad from the recent 9th edition of the Women’s Asia Cup. Opening batter Sadaf Shamas, who last played against England in May 2024, returns to replace wicket-keeper-batter Najiha Alvi, who will now travel to the UAE as a reserve player. Additionally, Umm-e-Hani and Rameen Shamim have been named as non-traveling reserves.
Ten players from the 2023 T20 World Cup squad – Aliya Riaz, Fatima Sana, Muneeba Ali, Nashra Sundhu, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, and Tuba Hassan – retain their places in the 2024 squad. Star spinner Sadia Iqbal has been included but is racing against time to regain full match fitness, and uncapped left-arm seamer Tasmia Rubab has been named in the squad.
Pakistan’s squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup:
Fatima Sana (C), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali (WK), Nashra Sundhu, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal (subject to fitness), Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab, and Tuba Hassan
In their eight T20 World Cup appearances, Pakistan has yet to reach a semi-final. Leading the team to a better finish will be a significant challenge for 22-year-old Fatima Sana. However, the spin-friendly conditions in the UAE could play to their advantage, helping Pakistan achieve their best World Cup performance to date.
Amidst the ongoing political and social unrest in Bangladesh, the International Cricket Council (ICC) relocated the World Cup to the UAE for the same dates. Pakistan, drawn into Group A, the group of death, will face India, New Zealand, Australia, and Sri Lanka in their league matches.
